Thousands of disabled people waiting months for help getting into work could soon see faster decisions from the Department for Work and Pensions after ministers announced a major recruitment push to tackle mounting delays in the Access to Work scheme.
The DWP says it will hire nearly 500 extra staff to clear a growing backlog that has left around 60,000 applicants waiting for support. The scheme, which helps disabled people and those with health conditions stay in employment, has faced intense criticism in recent years as demand surged and waiting times ballooned.
Officials admitted the pressure on the system had become unsustainable after applications more than doubled since 2018/19. Now, the government is trying to speed things up — and politically, it’s also tying the move directly into Labour’s wider promise to move more people from long-term benefits into work.
DWP Expanding Access to Work Workforce by 72%
Under the new plan, the DWP will recruit 480 additional case managers and support staff, increasing the total workforce handling Access to Work claims from 658 employees to more than 1,100 by September 2027.
According to ministers, the backlog inherited in June 2024 stood at 48,270 unresolved claims. That figure has since climbed to roughly 60,000 outstanding applications as demand continues to rise faster than processing capacity.
Here’s how the staffing expansion breaks down:
| Measure | Current | Planned |
|---|---|---|
| Access to Work staff | 658 | 1,138+ |
| Additional hires | — | 480 |
| Increase in workforce | — | 72% |
| Current backlog | 60,000 claims | Targeted reduction underway |
The Access to Work programme, explained in detail at https://www.gov.uk/access-to-work, provides practical workplace support including:
- Specialist equipment
- Support workers
- British Sign Language interpreters
- Mental health support services
- Help with transport costs to work
For many disabled workers, it’s the difference between being able to work and being shut out of employment entirely.
Ministers Say Delays Were Preventing People From Working
Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden said the delays had become a serious barrier for disabled people trying to enter or remain in employment.
He described Access to Work as a “lifeline” but acknowledged that when Labour entered government, ministers found a system struggling under pressure.
“That’s why I’m taking action to clear the backlog,” he said, adding that timely support can “change lives”.
The government says urgent cases are already being prioritised. According to the DWP, 96% of applicants due to begin work within four weeks are now receiving decisions within 28 days.
Officials also claim payment delays within the scheme have now been eliminated — another issue that had frustrated employers and disabled workers alike.
That matters because some applicants had reportedly been waiting months for reimbursements or approval for basic support arrangements. In certain cases, people either delayed starting jobs or paid for support out of their own pocket while waiting for the system to catch up.
Welfare Reforms Tied to Labour’s “Working State” Agenda
The recruitment drive is part of a much broader employment strategy from the government.
Labour says it plans to invest £3.5 billion into employment support for sick and disabled people before the end of the decade. Ministers argue the goal is not simply reducing welfare spending but increasing economic participation among people who want to work but face barriers.
Alongside Access to Work changes, the government is also rolling out:
- The Connect to Work programme, aimed at helping 300,000 people into employment before the next election
- Expansion of the WorkWell programme with £259 million in funding
- New local employment and health support initiatives
Information on employment support reforms can be found through the DWP at https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/department-for-work-pensions.
The WorkWell programme, which is being expanded across England, aims to help up to 250,000 people with health conditions stay in or return to work through localised support services.
Politically, the government is trying to walk a fine line here. Ministers want to show they’re serious about reducing economic inactivity, but they’re also under pressure from disability groups worried that welfare reform rhetoric can easily drift into punitive territory.
Disability Charities Welcome Move — But Warn Damage Has Already Been Done
Several major disability organisations cautiously welcomed the staffing announcement while warning the delays have already caused significant disruption.
Mencap chief executive Jon Sparkes said the backlog had created “enormous pressure” on disabled employees and the organisations trying to support them.
He stressed that people with learning disabilities can thrive in workplaces when the right support is available.
RNID, which supports deaf people and those with hearing loss, also highlighted the real-world impact of delays. The charity said some deaf workers had been forced to reduce their hours or personally cover support costs while waiting for approvals.
That’s the part often missing from the statistics. Delays don’t just sit on a spreadsheet somewhere in Whitehall. They can mean postponed job starts, financial stress, or employers quietly deciding it’s all too complicated.
For small businesses especially, waiting months for workplace adjustments can become a serious operational problem.
Could More Changes Be Coming to Access to Work?
The DWP has confirmed that wider reforms to the scheme are still being considered.
Ministers say they are gathering evidence from disabled people, employers, and representative organisations before announcing further changes aimed at keeping the programme “fair and sustainable”.
At this stage, there’s no official indication of benefit cuts or reduced eligibility. But the wording has already prompted speculation among campaigners that the government may eventually look at tightening parts of the system as costs continue rising.
Current guidance for employers and applicants remains available via https://www.gov.uk/access-to-work/apply.
Demand for the scheme is unlikely to slow anytime soon. More employers are becoming aware of the support available, while rising numbers of people with long-term health conditions are attempting to re-enter the workforce after the pandemic.
So while the recruitment drive may ease pressure, it probably won’t end the debate around how Access to Work is funded — or how quickly the system can keep pace with demand.
FAQs
What is the Access to Work scheme?
Access to Work is a government programme that provides financial support for disabled people and those with health conditions to help them start or stay in work.
What support can Access to Work provide?
The scheme can fund specialist equipment, support workers, interpreters, mental health support services, and transport costs related to employment.
How many people are currently waiting for Access to Work decisions?
Around 60,000 people are currently awaiting decisions, according to the DWP.
How many new staff is the DWP hiring?
The government plans to recruit 480 additional case managers and support staff for the scheme.
Are more reforms planned for Access to Work?
Yes. Ministers say broader reforms are still under consideration, with consultations ongoing involving disabled people and employers.
